Xavier Johnson Injury Update: Indiana Point Guard Says Regular Season Return 'My Main Goal'

Injured Indiana point guard Xavier Johnson said his surgically repaired foot is feeling much better, and he told HoosiersNow.com publisher Tom Brew that he still plans on being back on the floor at some point in the regular season.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana point guard Xavier Johnson hasn't played since breaking his foot at Kansas on Dec. 17, but he said on the ''Hoosier Roundtable'' podcast that he's still on track to return to the floor before the regular season ends.

“I’m doing a lot better. I’m still in the water, but I’m jogging in the water now, and that’s a good sign of progress. And my X-rays show a good sign of progress, too,'' Johnson told HoosiersNow.com publisher Tom Brew. "I’m just going to keep going along with my doctor’s guidelines because I want to be well put together when I get back, and not just 90 percent.''

Indiana is 17-7 on the season and 8-5 in the Big Ten, winning seven of its last eight games despite Johnson's absence. They have seven Big Ten games remaining before the postseason starts, and Johnson said plans on playing in at least a few regular season games before the postseason begins. Indiana's final three games are at No. 1 Purdue on Feb. 25, and home against Iowa (Feb. 28) and Michigan (March 5) to close out the season.

The Big Ten Tournament starts the following week in Chicago, with the NCAA Tournament the week after.

“Yeah, that’s my main goal and I’m still working toward that,'' Johnson said of his regular-season return. I go day by day with it, and I’m just waiting for my doctor to release me.

“Once he does that, everything’s up for grabs.’’ 

Johnson appeared on Sports Illustrated Indiana's ''Hoosier Roundtable'' podcast this week along with teammate Trey Galloway. The full 30-minute show debuts on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET, and it's full of laughs. There is plenty of conversation about fashion and basketball.

Podcast is live!!!!

To watch the full show any time after 7 p.m. ET, just CLICK HERE

Indiana guard Xavier Johnson has missed 13 games with a foot injury, so he's had a chance to bust out several eye-popping outfits at Assembly Hall. (HoosiersNow.com photo by Becky Rigel)

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